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Can I Complete an NVQ While Working?

Yes. In fact you need to be working. Here is how it fits around your job.

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Yes. A construction NVQ is built to be completed while you work. The evidence comes from your job, so there is no need to take weeks off for a course. You will need some time for assessor visits and for pulling your portfolio together.

What you need

Must have
  • A job in the trade or role the NVQ covers
  • Access to the tasks in the units
  • Someone who can confirm your work
Helpful
  • A supportive site manager
  • A phone for photos
  • A little admin time each week

Fitting it around work

  1. Agree visits with your managerAssessors need site access.
  2. Use lunch breaks for evidenceQuick notes and photo labels add up.
  3. Plan a monthly catch-upShort calls with your assessor keep you moving.
  4. Ask for varied tasksCover more units faster.

Self-employed? You can still do an NVQ. Main contractors or clients can often provide witness statements for your work.

See how long an NVQ takes and whether your employer can pay.

Mistakes when doing an NVQ while working

Most construction NVQs are designed to be completed at work. The challenge is fitting evidence into a busy week.

  • Not telling your employer. You need their support for witness statements and assessor visits.
  • Changing jobs mid-NVQ without a plan. You can usually continue, but tell your assessor so they can update your evidence plan.
  • Doing work outside your NVQ for months. If your current job does not cover the units, discuss options with your assessor.
  • Leaving evidence until weekends. Take photos during the job, not from memory later.

A worked example

A groundworker on a long housing scheme could plan with the site manager to spend a week on drainage, a week on kerbs and a week on foundations, covering several units in a month. Each week they upload photos and get a witness statement from the foreman.

Your next steps

  1. Talk to your employer about your NVQ.
  2. Ask your assessor which units your current work covers.
  3. Plan the jobs that cover the remaining units.
  4. Collect evidence during each job.
  5. Tell your assessor straight away if your work changes.

Useful links

See NVQ courses at CotecaRead the NVQ guideRead the CSCS card guide

Start your NVQ with Coteca

Tell us your trade and what you do on site. We will match you to the right NVQ, book your assessor and help with your card when you finish.

See NVQ coursesCall 0208 099 4324

Frequently asked questions

Can I do an NVQ without a job?

Not usually. You need real work to produce evidence.

Does my employer have to agree?

Their support helps with site visits and witness statements, but self-employed workers also complete NVQs.

Will I need time off?

Only short periods for visits, which normally happen during your working day on site.

Can I change jobs during my NVQ?

Yes. Tell your assessor so they can plan visits at the new site.

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